Dianne Tappen-Bolton, 79, of Metuchen, NJ, passed away on May 1, 2024 at the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, NJ after a brave battle with cancer.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University and a lifelong learner, Dianne was a proud, dedicated teacher for over three decades in Edison Township.  She inspired the lives and careers of numerous students who credit her creative instructional methods for their life choices.  Pupils left Dianne's science classes always citing her credo: "If you can count it, count it. If you can measure it, measure it." She remained in Facebook touch with many of her students-some who are now in their 50's - up to the present.

Born in Woodbridge, Dianne was an avid traveler, spending many school holidays traveling in Europe, but always returning to the area where her Tappen ancestors had received a grant from James, Duke of York (in the 1600's), to all the land from Rahway to the Raritan Rivers, the Woodbridge/Piscataway territories. Tappen Street in Woodbridge bears their family name.

As a feminist and activist, Dianne, once President of the Middlesex County Young Democrats, followed politics and current events with avid interest and a vast knowledge of history.

Dianne was a devoted, generous and loyal friend whose loving and inclusive circle will miss her dearly.   For the past 22 years, Dianne has been married to the love of her life and best friend, Robin Bolton, previously of the UK and Canada. Together they enjoyed their partnership in projects and adventures, such as trips to the UK, walking on the beaches of Eleuthera, Bahamas, sailing in the British Virgin Islands, and relaxing and entertaining at the lakeside cottage Robin built in the Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada.

Dianne was predeceased by her parents, David and Mary Elizabeth (Brown) Tappen (NJ's first woman building inspector) and longtime partner, Tony Black. She is survived by her husband, Robin, as well as her loving stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and several cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave., Metuchen where we will gather at 10:00am on Thursday, May 9, 2024 for the procession to the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge where the graveside services and interment will take place at 11:00am.

It is the family's utmost request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Rutger's Cancer Institute of New Jersey.  Checks should be made payable to RUF-CINJ and mailed to: CINJ Development (Philanthropy) Office, PO Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Please be sure to indicate the donation is in the memory of Dianne Tappen-Bolton.  Donations can also be made on line at: https://raise.rutgersfoundation.org/event/DianneTappenBolton .